In memory of

George Gurney Watson

February 9, 1936 -  August 25, 2022

Peacefully, in the early morning of August 25, 2022 at the age of 86.

Born in Toronto, Gurney was the son of the late William and Frances Watson, and stepson of the late Peter Smellie. Predeceased by his sister Lynn Watson Foss. He is survived by his half-brother Jim Smellie (Cathy); his nieces Heidi Foss and Sylvia Walker (Charles); his nephews Greg Foss (Julie), Rod Foss (Dominique), Alan Smellie (Alexandra) and 9 grand-nieces and nephews.

Gurney was educated at Trinity College School and Ashbury College and subsequently earned his commerce degree from McGill University in 1958. Several university summers were spent as a night auditor at the Banff Springs Hotel, which allowed for lots of early morning and late afternoon golf, and a much-improved handicap! He loved the game, enjoyed the Royal Ottawa and National Golf Clubs, and many golf trips to sunny climates with good friends.

After McGill, Gurney headed for the stock market. He was an early advocate of the discipline of Technical Analysis to evaluate investments - a hard sell on Bay Street - but he was an ardent practitioner and good salesman! He travelled widely preaching the benefits of his work, which has become well-accepted. He had a substantial following during his 40+ years on Bay Street, working for several firms, latterly with Merrill Lynch.

Special thanks to the staff of Hawthorne Place, who cared for Gurney through the COVID pandemic, and to the medical team at Humber River Hospital.

The family will gather privately at Mount Pleasant Cemetery to inter his ashes in the Gurney family plot. Condolences may be made through www.mountpleasantgroup.com.

Guestbook 

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Cam Glass (Friend)

Entered September 1, 2022 from Toronto


A great friend for more than fifty years…you were one of a kind laddie, they don’t make them like you any more

Rest In Peace my friend

Cam

Frank J CHOW (friend for 55 years)

Entered September 1, 2022 from burlington ontario

MY closest friend for 55 years and Gurney was there for the birth of my two daughters and visited me while i was in hawaii,pinehurst n.c,victoria b.c and was part of my family. Many hilarious moments as those who knew him will attest to his humour. we will have many more rounds of golf when i join him in my later life.
God bless him he is one of a kind

FRANK

John Redstone (Work Colleague)

Entered September 2, 2022 from Montreal

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of “Gurney”. He was a marvellous work mate and a great help to me when I “started out” in the Financial Industry. He was always able to “ bring a smile” to everyone, which is no small feat in what can be a grim and stressful business. The World is a sadder place without him. R.I.P.

Ira Katzin (Colleague)

Entered September 3, 2022 from North York

I would like to offer my condolences to Gurney's family. I first met Gurney when Al Smith, the director of research at Prudential Bache Securities introduced me to him when I was hired. Gurney's job was to assess the potential price of common shares based on his study of the past price patterns of shares over a period of time. Needless to say, we discussed pertinent future price philosophies and expectations over time. More times than not he was right. He was aghast one time when John McKim issued a sell recommendation on Northern Telecom, which at the time was the industry's favorite investment. Gurney was a no-nonsense person and called the "shots" exactly as he saw them. He did not sugarcoat any of his predictions and became one of the most trusted technicians on Bay Street. He was highly respected and I shall miss him and his sense of humor. . May he rest in peace! .

Des Clair (Friend of family)

Entered September 3, 2022 from Ottawa

Sorry for your loss.

Photos 

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